There were little specifics, but he did give notice that he will use technology to “raise health care’s quality and lower its costs.”

Indeed, one of his first actions will be to infuse health technology with a significant influx of federal dollars. However, the wisdom of supporting a generation of fragmented digital systems that cannot communicate to one another remains to be seen.

MedPage Today was present at the inauguration, and spoke with Dr. Downs Little, a rural internist, on what he thought of the address.

He makes good points on the historical significance physicians have, including the fact that two doctors were among those who signed the Declaration of Independence.

That influence will need to continue throughout the health care reform process, as physicians, along with others involved in direct patient care, “are in the best position to help Washington lawmakers and experts guide complicated health care policy.”

Update:
ACP lobbyist Bob Doherty was also at the ceremony, and offers his thoughts on the President’s speech. He was struck by what was not mentioned, namely, any specific mention of universal coverage. He interprets this as “controlling health care costs will be a focus of his administration.”

And that, I believe, is the correct approach to take. As Mr. Doherty says, “As hard it is may be to get agreement on how to extend health insurance coverage to everyone, controlling the cost of care will be an even bigger challenge.”

Indeed.